Driving Etiquette

I've found I get that way more in larger cities, but lately I've felt that way here in Le Mars.

One day this week a car tailed me so closely I could see the entire interior of the car. That sort of behavior doesn't make me drive any faster, in fact, I'm more likely to slow down.

Does anyone know what tailgating accomplishes... that's right accidents. So if you're one of those, please back off.

I've also found myself irritated with drivers at four-way stops. The general rule is whoever gets there first gets to go first.

That's all fine and good, but if someone hits the intersection in a slow roll without ever stopping it doesn't mean they have the right of way.

And if two vehicles get there at the same time, the rule says to yield to the right. That doesn't seem to be the norm here.

I find myself waiting for that driver to the right of me and wondering if he or she is going to go. And when I'm tired of waiting and begin to go forward, the other driver does the same. Then we both slam on our brakes and it starts all over again. By that time, my patience has been sorely tested.

But my biggest case of "road rage" comes when drivers don't use their blinkers. You know the little stick on the side of the steering wheel?

That is especially dangerous at four-way stops and for pedestrians waiting to cross the intersection.

Don't get me wrong. I am not perfect and have abused the rules of the road myself.

It's just lately that I've noticed that we drivers sometimes don't do what we should and that puts others in harms way.

All I'm asking is please remember you're not the only one on the roadway and take care when you're in the driver's seat.

And one last thing...

When you turn onto First Avenue Northeast in front of the Sentinel -- SLOW DOWN.

Because sometimes my colleagues and I are crossing the street to and from the building -- and we're afraid for our lives.